Cotswold Way Long Distance Path Directory
A long distance walk of 102 miles in the Cotswolds which is also a designated National Trail. A diverse range of habitats are visited on this marvellous walk including wide open upland escarpments and dense areas of ancient woodland. Maps, statistics and gpx route file for the walk are included.
The 102 miles long Cotswold Way follows the escarpment running along the western edge of the Cotswolds. On the walk one gets great views of the Severn Valley while walking amidst beech woods and open pasture. It passes through picturesque villages built in local limestone. The Cotswold are a designated 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' so you can be sure the scenery on this long distance walk is always going to be pleasing to the eye.
Google Maps Open Source MapsThe best web sites for General Information and Planning:
National Trails of Great Britain Comprehensive site providing details on the route. Includes an accommodation guide, booking service providers, maps required.Cotswold Way Co UK Dedicated site providing all one needs when planning the walk.
Cotswold Way Service A very useful site on planning to do the Cotswold Way.
John Butler Detailed route guide with a host of pictures.
The best web sites for Guided Walking:
Active England A service offering guided walking in the Cotswolds and on sections of the Cotswold Way.Footpath Holidays A service offering transportation for each stage and the provision of an experienced guide.
The web sites that organise accommodation and/ or baggage transfer:
Absolute Escapes offer self-guided walking packages including accommodation and baggage transfer for the whole walk.Mickledore provide self guided walking holidays throughout the UK allowing clients to choose the duration of the tour. Mickledore organise everything from accommodation, transport to packed lunches.
Contours Full range of self guided walking services. Very good web site navigation.
Celtic Trails Full self guided walkers service.
Macs Adventures have a full complement of services for the walk to make your walking experience an enjoyable one.
The Walking Holiday Company have a range of itineraries and route options for the walk all including accommodation and baggage transfer for the whole walk.
Cotswold Walks An excellent site with a full range of self guided walking services.
Discovery Travel Full range of self guided walking services.
Cotswold Way Co UK Organise accommodation and baggage transfer. Costs on site.
Sherpa Van Renowned baggage transfer service. Accommodation also organised on request if the baggage service is used. Full costs of the service are provided online.
The best web sites for you to plan your accommodation:
Cotswold Way Accommodation This site aims to provide a large amount of useful walking and area information alongside the accommodation listings to make this site a general resource for visitors rather than just an advertising site.S H Systems Excellent range of accommodation. Just type in the location to bring up a list of accommodation in the area. You can sort them by price, postcode or rating.
Cotswold Way Co UK The most complete web listing of accommodation for the walk.
The best personal journals of the walk:
My Cotswold Way The story of my walk on the Cotswold Way which formed part of my Great British Walk.John Butler Part of an end to end walk of Britain. Lots of photographs of the walk.
Steph and Dan A light hearted and entertaining recollection of the walk that Steph and Dan did in 2023.
The Pighole Team Congratulations to Mike Riley, Sean Bond, Nick Barber, Ken Hodgkinson, Dave Swarbrook, Ann Baxter, Alison Bond, Gordon Darlington, Dave McNeaney and Jane Salt for providing this super report.
Team Jaguar While sensible walkers are away the cats will play. Join the fun as four walkers enjoy the journey.
Jonathan Maxwell An American's perspective of the walk.
The essential sites for safety advice and emergency services:
Ramblers Association Practical walking advice on keeping safe including a guide to map reading, navigation and a detailed list of the essential gear required on a long distance walk.Mountain Rescue UK You may need them so take their advice.
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Feedback and Suggestions:
I am always pleased to received feedback on the structure and content of the website. I also welcome suggestions on how I can improve the website which may include new areas to cover, new walks or route alterations to existing walks. To contact me with feedback and/ or suggestions please complete the Walking Englishman Feedback Form. Thank you.
(Note: Walking without proper preparation can be dangerous. Information and downloads on this website are provided free of charge; it is each walker's responsibility to check the material and use accordingly. Postscript: My walk reports are not route guides and should not be treated as such. They are written with personal reflections of my walks)
